Text Could Lead To New Trial

Associated Press

Updated: 2 years ago.

A Georgia man wants a new trial due to a disruption in the case. A juror admitted to sending text messages to the brother of the victim. Prosecutors say there's no evidence that details of the case were revealed.

A Georgia man convicted in the death of his teenage stepson is demanding a new trial after one of the jurors confessed to sending text messages to the victim's family during the proceedings.

A McIntosh County jury in October convicted Brian Gale of voluntary manslaughter and depriving a minor.

His 15-year-old stepson, Daniel Head, was found dead in March 2010 in a swamp where they were scouting for wild turkey.

The Georgia Times-Union reports juror Michael Sinclair testified at a hearing Tuesday that he sent text messages to the victim's brother, Christopher Head. One of them said: "Dude. We're doing everything we can."

Defense lawyer Carlton Gibson wants a judge to order a new trial.

But prosecutors say there's no evidence the juror discussed details of the case.